Page 51 of Tied to Hope
“I’ve never forgotten the meek girl who walked into the Training Center. I understood your potential the moment I saw you, but it meant nothing until you understood your power and believed it yourself.”
Brie remembered how intimidated she had been by Marquis Gray in the beginning. “I appreciated that you always pushed me, Marquis.”
“You are a rare pearl.” He glanced at Celestia and smiled. “We both feel that way.”
“We certainly do,” Celestia agreed. “It is easy to help those you admire.”
Brie laughed. “You are the ones to be admired.”
“There comes a point when the teacher and the student become equals. You are reaching that sooner than you think.”
Everyone turned on hearing the door open. Sir walked back inside and stated, “Gray, I have decided to take you up on your offer.”
Marquis gave a single nod. “Very well.”
Celestia stood up, moving to the baby, who was now awake and opening and closing her hands, wanting to be picked up.
“I’d be happy to watch over her with Shadow,” Celestia offered, looking tenderly at the big black cat.
Brie turned to Sir. “Would you want me to be present, Sir?”
He took her hand and pulled her close. “Ineedyou there, babygirl.”
Brie was deeply touched, remembering there had been a time when Sir would have pushed her away in a moment of weakness.
After the airplane crash, however, all that had changed. She’d seen him at his weakest point, encouraged him through it, and loved him all the more afterward.
It was an honor that he now trusted her in every aspect of his life.
“I see no reason to wait,” Marquis Gray stated, standing up to walk over to Celestia, who was bouncing Hope on her lap.
“This may take a while,” he warned her.
Bowing her head in acknowledgment, Celestia answered, “I understand, Master.” Looking down at the baby she added, “I’m certain Hope and I will have no problem entertaining ourselves.”
Sir took Brie’s hand as they followed Marquis Gray into the master bedroom and shut the doors behind them.
“I think it is best if we do it out here, rather than in your playroom. However, the window may prove a problem for us.”
In answer, Sir picked up a remote resting on the nightstand and pressed a button. Window shades slowly lowered from the ceiling to the floor, adding a darker but transparent shield between them and the rest of the world.
“We can still look out, but no one can see in,” Sir explained.
“Brilliant,” Marquis complimented. “May I choose an instrument from your collection?”
“Certainly.” Sir called out the code, and told him, “The entire selection is at your disposal.”
Marquis Gray nodded and started toward the playroom.
“What should I do to prepare?” Sir asked, his voice sounding uncharacteristically off.
Marquis Gray turned to meet his gaze. “During the session I want you to concentrate on the concept of letting go of the bond that binds you.”
Brie noticed Sir stiffen.
After Marquis disappeared into the playroom to pick out a flogger, Sir immediately stripped off his shirt, handing it to Brie, and instructed her to get a pair of sweatpants.
He stripped down to his boxers and traded Brie his clothes for the black sweats. She could feel his anxiety rolling off him, and asked quietly, “Are you okay?”
